OHA grant will be used to develop a Native Hawaiian culture-based curriculum for perpetrators of domestic violence

HONOLULU - The University of Hawaii in collaboration with Parents and Children Together (PACT) received an $80,000 grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) to develop, pilot test and evaluate a Native Hawaiian culture-based curriculum for perpetrators of domestic violence residing on the island of Oʻahu.

Dr. Valli Kalei Kanuha, associate professor of sociology at UH Mānoa, is responsible for designing the curriculum. From 2000-2005, Kanuha was the primary investigator of a five-year grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to develop, implement and evaluate a Native Hawaiian domestic violence intervention in partnership with Turning Point for Families, a domestic violence agency in Hilo.

With this OHA award, UH and PACT will adapt Ke Ala Lōkahi, the Hilo-based Hawaiian cultural domestic violence curriculum to historical narratives, legends, and sacred sites on Oʻahu. Kahu David Kaupu is the project‘s Hawaiian cultural expert. Carol Silva, kumu ʻōlelo and historian who has taught for many years for UHM Outreach College, will also serve as a project consultant.

PACT Vice President of Programs Haaheo Mansfield states, "Parents And Children Together is excited to be a part of this important partnership with UH. We believe the research findings will improve our current practices with this population as well as enrich research methodology through the incorporation of culturally based ways of "knowing".